Programmable actuation force input for an accessory and methods thereof

ABSTRACT

A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may include, for example, a button including a fixed force magnet coupled to a first housing assembly component serving as a top portion of the button, a variable force magnet coupled to a second housing assembly serving as a bottom portion of the button, and a spring coupled to the fixed force magnetic and the variable force magnet for repelling the fixed force magnet from the variable force magnet according to a spring constant of the spring. The variable force magnet emitting a magnetic field to counter the spring constant and thereby adjust a force required to depress the button. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/713,144 filed Dec. 13, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/293,074 filed Mar. 5, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No.10,537,794 issued on Jan. 21, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/944,275 filed Apr. 3, 2018, now U.S. Pat.No. 10,258,874 issued on Apr. 16, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/691,546 filed Apr. 20, 2015, now U.S.Pat. No. 9,962,608 issued on May 8, 2018, which claims the benefit ofpriority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/982,081 filed Apr.21, 2014. The contents of each of the foregoing are hereby incorporatedby reference into this application as if set forth herein in full.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to programmable actuation forceinput for an accessory and methods thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

It is common today for gamers to utilize more than one gaming accessory.This is especially true of gamers who play on-line games or competitivegames in a team or individual configuration. Gamers can have at theirdisposal accessories such as a keyboard, a general purpose gaming pad, amouse, a gaming console controller, a headset to communicate with otherplayers, a joystick, a computer console, or other common gamingaccessories.

A gamer can frequently use a combination of these accessories in asingle game (e.g., headset, a keyboard, and mouse). Efficient managementand utilization of these accessories can frequently impact a gamer'sability to compete.

Accessory management can have utility in other disciplines which may notrelate to gaming applications. Efficient use of accessories in theseother disciplines can be important to other users.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a Graphical User Interface(GUI) generated by an Accessory Management Software (AMS) applicationaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A depicts an illustrative embodiment for communicatively couplinga gaming controller to a computing device;

FIG. 2B depicts an illustrative embodiment for communicatively couplinga gaming controller to a computing device;

FIG. 3A depicts an illustrative embodiment for utilizing a variableactuation force device in a keyboard communicatively coupled to acomputing device;

FIGS. 3B-3D depicts an illustrative embodiment for a variable actuationforce device utilizing a variable magnet;

FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication device;

FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a first method utilized inthe subject disclosure;

FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a second method utilized inthe subject disclosure;

FIG. 7 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a third method utilized inthe subject disclosure;

FIG. 8 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a system operating at leastin part according to the methods of FIGS. 5-7;

FIG. 9 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication flowdiagram utilized by the system of FIG. 12; and

FIG. 10 depicts an illustrative diagrammatic representation of a machinein the form of a computer system within which a set of instructions,when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethodologies disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject disclosure describes, among other things, illustrativeembodiments for variable actuation force inputs and methods ofapplication therefor. Other embodiments are described in the subjectdisclosure.

One embodiment of the subject disclosure includes a method forcommunicating, by a system comprising a processor, a signal to avariable force magnet at a first portion of a button to initiate amagnetic field. The magnetic field can interact with a ferromagneticmaterial at a second portion of the button to create a magneticresistance to pressing of the button. The method also includesdetecting, by the system, a change in electrical communication betweenthe first portion of the button and the second portion of the buttonindicating a button press in counteraction of the magnetic resistanceand, in turn, asserting, by the system, a first actuation stateresponsive to the detecting of the change in electrical communication.

One embodiment of the subject disclosure includes a button comprising avariable force magnet and a ferromagnetic material, a memory to storeinstructions, a processor coupled to the memory and the button.Responsive to executing the instructions, the processor can performoperations including initiating a magnetic field at the variable forcemagnet. The variable force magnet can be at a first portion of a keypad.The magnetic field can interact with the ferromagnetic material. Theferromagnetic material can be at a second portion of the keypad tocreate a magnetic resistance to pressing of the keypad. The processorcan also perform operations including detecting a keypad press incounteraction of the magnetic resistance and, in turn, transmitting anactuation signal to a computing device responsive to the detecting ofthe keypad press.

One embodiment of the subject disclosure includes a button that caninclude a fixed force magnet coupled to a first housing assemblycomponent serving as a top portion of the button, a variable forcemagnet coupled to a second housing assembly serving as a bottom portionof the button, and a spring coupled to the fixed force magnetic and thevariable force magnet for repelling the fixed force magnet from thevariable force magnet according to a spring constant of the spring. Thevariable force magnet can emit a magnetic field to counter the springconstant and thereby adjust a force required to depress the button.

FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a Graphical User Interface(GUI) generated by an Accessory Management Software (AMS) applicationaccording to the present disclosure. The AMS application can be executedby a computing device such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, atablet, a server, a mainframe computer, a gaming console, a gamingaccessory, or any combination or portions thereof. The AMS applicationcan also be executed by portable computing devices such as a cellularphone, a personal digital assistant, or a media player. The AMSapplication can be executed by any device with suitable computing andcommunication resources.

FIG. 2A illustrates a number of embodiments for utilizing a gamingcontroller 115 with a computing device 206 in the form of a gamingconsole. In the illustration of FIG. 2A, the gaming controller 115 canbe communicatively coupled to the gaming console 206 with a tetheredcable interface 202 such as a USB or proprietary cable, or a wirelessinterface 204 such as WiFi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, or a proprietary wirelesscommunications protocol. The cable interface 202 provides a means forcommunication that may be less susceptible to electromagneticinterference. It will be appreciated that the gaming controller 115 mayfurther include a headset 114 (with or without a microphone not shown)utilized by a gamer to communicate with teammates and/or to listen togame sounds in high fidelity. In the illustration of FIG. 2A, the AMSapplication can in whole or in part be executed by the gaming controller115, the gaming console 206, or a combination thereof.

FIG. 2B illustrates a number of other embodiments for utilizing a gamingcontroller 115 with a computing device 206. In this embodiment, thegaming controller 115 comprises a mouse and the computing device 206comprises a computer. The gaming controller 115 can be tethered to thecomputing device 206 by a cable interface 202 (e.g., USB cable orproprietary cable) or a wireless interface 204. The cable interface 202provides a means for communication that may be less susceptible toelectromagnetic interference. It will be appreciated that the gamingcontroller 115 may further include a headset (with or without amicrophone not shown) utilized by a gamer to communicate with teammatesand/or to listen to game sounds in high fidelity. In the illustration ofFIG. 2B, the AMS application can in whole or in part be executed by thegaming controller 115, the gaming console 206, or a combination thereof.

For illustration purposes, the terms gaming console 206 and computer 206will be used hence forth interchangeably with the term computing device206 with an understanding that a computing device 206 may represent anumber of other devices such as a server, a tablet, a smart phone, andso on. Accordingly, a computing device 206 can represent any device withsuitable computing resources to perform the methods described in thesubject disclosure.

Typically, accessories with input buttons of variable shapes and sizes(e.g., button on a keyboard) work by attaching electronic switchesconnected in a matrix to a microprocessor that in turn reads the matrixand determines which switches are open and which are closed. Theswitches can come in a few different versions, the most common being asimple printed circuit board (PCB) that is configured to detect a buttondepression when a piece of conductive material of a switch mechanismmakes contact with a contact pad of the PCB (e.g., rubber dome, membraneswitches). Other implementations can include traditional mechanicalelectronic switches with copper blades that make contact when the switchis depressed.

Common with these switching technologies is that they are configured tohave a fixed resistance to pressing of the button or keypad. Thepressing resistance can be created using a spring. In order to depressthe button, the resistive force of the spring must be overcome.Depending upon the mechanical configuration, the spring may have to becompressed or stretched in order to complete a button press. When thebutton is no longer being pressed, the force of the spring can thenreturn the button the non-pressed position.

FIG. 3A depicts an illustrative embodiment of a system 300 for utilizinga variable actuation force device in a keyboard communicatively coupledto a computing device. A computing device 310 can be coupled to akeyboard 312 with all or some of its buttons 316 configured withvariable pressing force. Configuration signals can be generated atand/or conveyed by the keyboard to the buttons 316 for configuringand/or adjusting the pressing resistance of the buttons 316. Keystrokesignals from the buttons 316 can be processed by circuitry (e.g., analogto digital converter, etc.) of the keyboard 312 to convey to thecomputing device 310 which buttons have been depressed. The informationtransmitted to the computing device 310 can be analog or digital signalsrepresenting whether buttons 316 are pressed or not pressed.

FIGS. 3B-3D depicts an illustrative embodiment for a variable actuationforce device utilizing a variable magnet. In one or more embodiments,the variable actuation force device 350 can be a button or keypad thatis part of a keyboard or another computer accessory. For example, thevariable actuation force device 350 can be a button of a computer mouse,joystick, and/or video game controller. The variable actuation forcedevice 350 can be split into sections that are held together in anassembly. The sections of the variable actuation force device 350 canmoved with respect to one another such that a user of a computeraccessory can input a force and/or motion to the variable actuationforce device 350 that causes the sections of the variable actuationforce device 350 to move with respect to one another.

In one or more embodiments, the variable actuation force device 350 caninclude an upper section 352 and a lower section 362. The upper section352 can be a button interface for a user of the variable actuation forcedevice 350 to engage the device. For example, the upper section 352 canbe an ergonomic surface for that designed for engaging a finger, thumb,of other part of a hand. The upper section 352 may include text orsymbols or characters printed or embossed its surface. The upper section352 may include tactile queues, such as concave or convex shapes, raisedsurfaces, and the like, for identifying the variable actuation forcedevice 350. The upper section 352 can move with respect to the lowersection 362.

In one or more embodiments, the lower section 362 of the variableactuation force device 350 can provide a base for the intra-devicemovements of the assembly. For example, the upper section 352 can beattached to the lower section 362 such that the upper section 352 iskept in close proximity to the lower section 362 during wait, ornon-button push times, and the upper section 352 moves toward andengages with the lower section 362 when it is pressed. In one or moreembodiments, the upper section 352 can be attached to the lower section362 to maintain the non-pressed close proximity. For example, the uppersection 352 can be attached using a hinge or a spring or stoppingmechanism that prevents the upper section 352 and the lower section 362from coming apart. In one or more embodiments, the variable actuationforce device 350 can be part of an array of buttons or keypads, such asin a keyboard. The lower section 362 can be a substrate or chassis thatholds multiple button or keypad device, any or all of which can bevariable actuation force devices 350.

In one or more embodiments, the variable actuation force device 350 caninclude a mechanism for detecting the pressed and non-pressed state ofthe device. For example, the lower section 362 can include a printedcircuit board (PCB) that is configured to detect a pressing of the uppersection 352 when a first piece of conductive material 364 that isattached to the upper section 352 makes contact with a second piece ofconductive material 366 of the lower section 362 (e.g., rubber dome,membrane switches). Other implementations can include traditionalmechanical electronic switches with copper blades that make contact whenthe switch is depressed.

In one or more embodiments, the variable actuation force device 350 caninclude a variable force magnet 356 that is attached to either the uppersection 352 or the lower section 362 of the device 350. The variableforce magnet 356 can be an electromagnet device that generates avariable magnetic field under the influence of an electric current orvoltage. For example, an electromagnet can be formed by wrapping aconductor 360 around a ferromagnetic material. The ferromagneticmaterial of the variable force magnet 356 can bear a permanentmagnetism, such that it generates a magnetic field without beingenergized by the conductor 360, or can be not magnetized (i.e., notproduce a magnetic field without being energized.

In one or more embodiments, the variable force magnet 356 can beenergized by current flowing in the conductor 360. For example, acurrent 382 can be coupled into the conductor 360 to cause theferromagnetic material of the variable force magnet 356 to generate amagnetic field 384. The magnetic field 384 can exhibit properties ofmagnitude and polarity (direction) based on the magnitude and directionof the electrical current flowing in the conductor 360.

In one or more embodiments, a response block 354 can be mounted eitherin the upper section 352 or the lower section 362 of the variableactuation force device 350. The response block 354 can be aferromagnetic material that is responsive to the magnetic field 384 thatis generated by the variable force magnet 356. In one embodiment, theresponse block 354 can ferromagnetic but not magnetized. In thisconfiguration, the response block 354 can be attracted by the magneticfield 384 that is generated by the variable force magnet 356 regardlessof the polarity of the magnetic field 384. If a non-magnetized responseblock is mounted in the upper section 352 and the variable force magnet356 is mounted in the lower section 362, then the magnetic field 384will cause the response block 354 and the upper section 352 to beattracted to the variable force magnet 356 and the lower section 362.

In one or more embodiments, a mechanical force source, such as a spring368 can be included in the variable actuation force device 350 toprovide a fixed mechanical force for pushing the upper section 352 andthe lower section 362 apart. The spring 368 can thereby create a fixedforce that separates the upper section 352 and the lower section 362,while the variable force magnet 356 can create a variable force thatpulls the upper section 352 and the lower section 362 together. Thecombination of the fixed force of the spring 368 and the variablemagnetic force of the variable force magnet 356 can combine to create anoverall, variable resistance between the upper section 352 and the lowersection 362 that must be overcome when pressing the variable actuationforce device 350. In another embodiment, the spring 368, the variableforce magnet 356, and the response block 354 can be placed in adifferent configuration, whereby the spring 368 provides a force to pullthe upper section 352 toward the lower section 362, while theinteraction of the variable force magnet 356 and the response block 354provide a variable force to push the upper section 352 and the lowersection 362 apart. For example, the spring 368, the variable forcemagnet 356, and the response block 354 can be coupled to the uppersection 352 and the lower section 362 via a pivot or hinge mechanism.

In one or more embodiments, the response block 354 can be magnetized. Asa result of magnetization, the response block 354 can generate its ownmagnetic field. The magnetic field of the response block 354 can have afixed magnitude and polarity. When the fixed magnetic field of themagnetized response block 354 interacts with the variable magnetic field384 that is generated by the variable force magnet 356, the polarity ofthe two fields is critical to determining performance of the variableactuation force device 350. For example, if the fixed magnetic field ofthe magnetized response block 354 and the variable magnetic field 384that is generated by the variable force magnet 356 have the samepolarity, that is, the “North” poles of the magnetic fields are pointingin the same direction, then the interaction between the magnetic fieldscan cause the response block 354 to be attracted to the variable forcemagnet 356. Consequently, the upper section 352 can be attracted to thelower section 362. Alternatively, if the fixed magnetic field of themagnetized response block 354 and the variable magnetic field 384 thatis generated by the variable force magnet 356 have opposite polarity,where the “North” poles of the magnetic fields are pointing in theopposite directions, then the interaction between the fields can causethe response block 354 to be repulsed by the variable force magnet 356.As a result, the upper section 352 can be repulsed from the lowersection 362. In another embodiment, the fixed magnetic field of themagnetized response block 354 and the variable magnetic field 384 thatis generated by the variable force magnet 356 can be oriented atsomething between same and opposite polarity. In this case the forcerelationship between the response block 354 and the variable forcemagnet 356 can be more complex and, in fact, could change betweenattraction and repulsion as the upper section 352 and the lower section362 are pushed together.

In one or more embodiments, the variable actuation force device 350 caninclude or exclude a spring 368. The combination of the polarities ofthe fixed magnetic field of the response block 354 and the variablemagnetic field 384 of the variable force magnet 356 and the orientationsof these magnetic fields with respect to one another and to the uppersection 352 and the lower section 362, can create a combined force thatpushes the upper section 352 and the lower section 362 apart or thatpulls the upper section 352 toward the lower section 362. For example,the variable magnetic field 384 and the fixed magnetic field can be ofnet opposite polarity such that a resulting, variable actuation force isgenerated that resists the pressing of the upper section 352 to thelower section 362. This variable actuation force can be controlled usingonly the interaction of the magnetic elements 354 and 356, and, inparticular, the magnitude and direction of the electric current 382. Inanother example, the variable magnetic field 384 and the fixed magneticfield can be of net same polarity such that a resulting, variableactuation force of attraction is generated that causes the upper section352 to be pulled toward the lower section 362. In this case, a spring368 can be added to provide a force that resists pressing. In this case,a net resistive (to pushing) force can be created by including a spring368 that provides a fixed repulsion force that is greater than thevariable attraction force that is created by the interaction of theresponse block 354 and the variable force magnet 356. In anotherembodiment, the spring 368, the variable force magnet 356, and theresponse block 354 can be placed in a different configuration, wherebythe spring 368 provides a force to pull the upper section 352 toward thelower section 362, while the interaction of the variable force magnet356 and the magnetized response block 354 provide a variable force topush the upper section 352 and the lower section 362 apart.

In one or more embodiments, the resistance to pressing of the variableactuation force device 350 can be adjusted by changing the magneticfield that is generated by the variable force magnet 356. In oneembodiment, the magnitude of the magnetic field can be changed byincreasing or decreasing the current 382 at the variable force magnet356. In one embodiment, the polarity of the magnetic field can bechanged by reversing the direction of the current 382 that is used forenergizing the variable force magnet 356. If an additional means ofgenerating pressing resistance is incorporated into the design of thevariable actuation force device 350, such as a spring 368 or anadditional permanent magnet, then the variable force magnet 356 cangenerate a default resistive force for the depressing the upper section352 even if the variable force magnet 356 is not energized. Further, byselecting the additional resistance, or default resistance, properly,the variable actuation force device 350 can provide a large range ofresistance values. For example, the actuation force device 350 can bedesigned to have a default keypad pressing weight of 50 grams with thevariable force magnet 356 deactivated (no current). If the variableforce magnet 356 is then energized at full current in a first direction,then the variable force magnet 356 can generate a first magnetic field384 to add an additional activation force equivalent to 50 grams for acombined pressing weight of 100 grams. If, however, the variable forcemagnet 356 is then energized at full current in the opposite direction,then the variable force magnet 356 can generate a second magnetic field384 to subtract an activation force equivalent to 50 grams from thepressing weight and create a combined pressing weight of 0 grams. Bymodifying both the current magnitude and direction, the variable forcemagnet 356 can thereby generate a large range of pressing weights.

In one or more embodiments, the keyboard 312 and/or the computing device310 can detect the pressing of the variable actuation force device 350and, responsive to detecting the pressing, can adjust the pressing forceof the variable actuation force device 350 by altering the magnitudeand/or direction of the current that is energizing the variable forcemagnet 356. By changing the pressing force in response to detecting thepressing, the keyboard 312 and/or the computing device 310 can provide akeypad or button with a first pressing force in the key UP position anda second rebounding force in the key DOWN position. This technique can,for example, allow the user of the keyboard 312 to experience acombination of soft or light pressing force coupled with hard or heavyrebounding force. Alternatively, a hard or heavy pressing force can becombined with a soft or light rebounding force.

In one or more embodiments, a variable actuation force device 350 canuse a magnet proximity sensor rather a traditional switch like a rubbermembrane with conductive material or a mechanical switch that makes orbreaks contact. Instead, the variable actuation force device 350 can beconstructed with a magnet proximity sensor 302, such as a Hall Effectsensor. The Hall Effect sensor can measure a strength of a magneticfield generated by a magnet 306 in proximity to the magnetic proximitysensor 302. The magnetic proximity sensor 302 outputs a voltage levelthat corresponds to the strength of the magnetic field it senses fromthe magnet 306 as a spring-loaded button 304 holding the magnet 306 isdepressed.

In one or more embodiments, the keyboard 312 and/or the computing device310 can be configured to enable a user to define programmable keypadpressing and/or rebounding force. For example, the computing device 310can be configured by a user to set in one instance the pressing weightof 40 grams and the rebounding weight of 60 grams. The computing device310 can also be configured by a user to set multiple pressing and/orrebounding weights for a single button or for multiple buttons. Themultiple pressing weights and/or rebounding weights can correspond todifferent actuation and reset states. For example, the first buttonpress can be interpreted by the keyboard 312 and/or computing device 310as a first actuation state, while a second button press (within aconfigurable time period) can be interpreted as a second actuationstate. The computing device 310 can be further configured by a user toutilize the AMS application as will be explained below to replacestimuli generated by the variable actuation force device 350 withsubstitute stimuli supplied to software applications (e.g., a videogame), to invoke a software application when an actuation state isdetected, and/or perform other functions as will be described below.

It is noted that other accessories (e.g., mouse, gaming controller,joystick, smartphone with tactile keypad, navigation disk of a mobiledevice, etc.) can utilize the variable actuation force device 350 ofFIGS. 3B-3D. For example, the buttons of a mouse can be configured witha variable actuation force device 350 as described by the subjectdisclosure. Any of the buttons on a gaming controller (such as reference115) of FIG. 2A can be configured with variable actuation force devicesas described by the subject disclosure. In sum, any device which canmake use of a variable pressing and/or rebounding force and can utilizethe variable actuation force devices described by the subjectdisclosure. Any of the accessory devices described in the subjectdisclosure can also be adapted to utilize the variable actuation forcedevice 350 of FIGS. 3B-3D or a suitable substitute that performs asimilar function.

FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication device 400.Communication device 400 can serve in whole or in part as anillustrative embodiment of devices described in the subject disclosure.The communication device 400 can comprise a wireline and/or wirelesstransceiver 402 (herein transceiver 402), a user interface (UI) 404, apower supply 414, a proximity sensor 416, a motion sensor 418, anorientation sensor 420, and a controller 406 for managing operationsthereof. The transceiver 402 can support short-range or long-rangewireless access technologies such as Bluetooth, WiFi, Digital EnhancedCordless Telecommunications (DECT), or cellular communicationtechnologies, just to mention a few. Cellular technologies can include,for example, CDMA-1×, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO, WiMAX,software defined radio (SDR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), as well asother next generation wireless communication technologies as they arise.The transceiver 402 can also be adapted to support circuit-switchedwireline access technologies (such as PSTN), packet-switched wirelineaccess technologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP, etc.), and combinationsthereof.

The UI 404 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad 408coupled to a navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a joystick, amouse, or a navigation disk for manipulating operations of thecommunication device 400. The keypad 408 can be an integral part of ahousing assembly of the communication device 400 or an independentdevice operably coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface (suchas a USB cable) or a wireless interface supporting for exampleBluetooth. The keypad 408 can represent a numeric keypad, and/or aQWERTY keypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI 404 can further include adisplay 410 such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display),OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technologyfor conveying images to an end user of the communication device 400.

In an embodiment where the display 410 utilizes touch-sensitivetechnology, a portion or all of the keypad 408 can be presented by wayof the display 410 with navigation features. As a touch screen display,the communication device 400 can be adapted to present a user interfacewith graphical user interface (GUI) elements that can be selected by auser with a touch of a finger. The touch screen display 410 can beequipped with capacitive, resistive or other forms of sensing technologyto detect how much surface area of a user's finger has been placed on aportion of the touch screen display. This sensing information can beused to control the manipulation of the GUI elements. The keypad caninclude one or more a variable force actuators as described in FIGS.3A-3D.

The UI 404 can also include an audio system 412 that utilizes commonaudio technology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heardonly in the proximity of a human ear) and high volume audio (such asspeakerphone for hands free operation, stereo or surround sound system).The audio system 412 can further include a microphone for receivingaudible signals of an end user. The audio system 412 can also be usedfor voice recognition applications. The UI 404 can further include animage sensor 413 such as a charged coupled device (CCD) camera forcapturing still or moving images and performing image recognitiontherefrom.

The power supply 414 can utilize common power management technologiessuch as replaceable or rechargeable batteries, supply regulationtechnologies, and charging system technologies for supplying energy tothe components of the communication device 400 to facilitate long-rangeor short-range portable applications. Alternatively, the charging systemcan utilize external power sources such as DC power supplied over aphysical interface such as a USB port or by way of a power cord attachedto a transformer that converts AC to DC power.

The proximity sensor 416 can utilize proximity sensing technology suchas an electromagnetic sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor,an image sensor or combinations thereof. The motion sensor 418 canutilize motion sensing technology such as an accelerometer, a gyroscope,or other suitable motion sensing technology to detect movement of thecommunication device 400 in three-dimensional space. The orientationsensor 420 can utilize orientation sensing technology such as amagnetometer to detect the orientation of the communication device 400(North, South, West, East, combined orientations thereof in degrees,minutes, or other suitable orientation metrics).

The communication device 400 can use the transceiver 402 to alsodetermine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth, or other wirelessaccess points by common sensing techniques such as utilizing a receivedsignal strength indicator (RSSI) and/or a signal time of arrival (TOA)or time of flight (TOF). The controller 406 can utilize computingtechnologies such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP),and/or a video processor with associated storage memory such as Flash,ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies.

The communication device 400 as described herein can operate with moreor less components described in FIG. 4 to accommodate the implementationof devices described by the subject disclosure. These variantembodiments are contemplated by the subject disclosure.

FIGS. 5-7 depict methods 500-700 describing illustrative embodiments ofthe AMS application. Method 500 can begin with step 502 in which the AMSapplication is invoked in a computing device. The computing device canbe a remote server (not shown), the gaming console 206 or computer 206of FIGS. 2-3, or any other computing device with suitable computingresources. The invocation step can result from a user selection of theAMS application from a menu or iconic symbol presented by the computingdevice 206, or when a user communicatively couples a gaming controller115 or other form of accessory device with the computing device 206. Instep 504, the AMS application can detect by way of software drivers inan operating system (OS) of the computing device 206 a plurality ofoperationally distinct accessories communicatively coupled to thecomputing device 206. The accessories can be coupled to the computingdevice 206 by a tethered interface (e.g., USB cable), a wirelessinterface (e.g., Bluetooth or Wireless Fidelity—WiFi), or combinationsthereof.

In the present context, an accessory can represent any type of devicewhich can be communicatively coupled to the computing device 206 (orwhich can be an integral part of the computing device) and which cancontrol aspects of the OS and/or a software application operating fromthe computing device 206. An accessory can represent for example akeyboard, a touch screen display, a gaming pad, a gaming controller, amouse, a joystick, a microphone, or a headset with a microphone—just tomention a few.

In step 506, the AMS application presents a GUI 101 such as depicted inFIG. 1 depicting operationally distinct accessories such as a keyboard108, and a gaming controller 115. The GUI 101 presents the accessories108-116 in a scrollable section 117. One or more accessories can beselected by a user with a mouse pointer. In this illustration, thekeyboard 108 and the gaming controller 115 were selected forcustomization. Upon selecting the keyboard 108 and the gaming controller115 from the scrollable window of section 117, the AMS applicationpresents the keyboard 108 and the gaming controller 115 in split windows118, 120, respectively, to assist the user during the customizationprocess.

In step 508, the AMS application can be programmed to detect auser-selection of a particular software application such as a videogame. This step can be the result of the user entering in a Quick Searchfield 160 the name of a gaming application (e.g., World of Warcraft™ orWoW). Upon identifying a gaming application, the AMS application canretrieve in step 510 from a remote or local database gaming applicationactions which can be presented in a scrollable section 139 of the GUIrepresented as “Actions” 130. The actions can be tactical actions 132,communication actions 134, menu actions 136, and movement actions 138which can be used to invoke and manage features of the gamingapplication.

The actions presented descriptively in section 130 of the GUI canrepresent a sequence of accessory input functions which a user canstimulate by button depressions, navigation or speech. For example,depressing the left button on the mouse 110 can represent the tacticalaction “Reload”, while the simultaneous keyboard depressions “Ctrl A”can represent the tactical action “Melee Attack”. For ease of use, the“Actions” 130 section of the GUI is presented descriptively rather thanby a description of the input function(s) of a particular accessory.

Any one of the Actions 130 can be associated with one or more inputfunctions of the accessories being customized in windows 118 and 120 byway of a drag and drop action or other customization options. Forinstance, a user can select a “Melee Attack” by placing a mouse pointer133 over an iconic symbol associated with this action. Upon doing so,the symbol can be highlighted to indicate to the user that the icon isselectable. At this point, the user can select the icon by holding theleft mouse button and drag the symbol to any of the input functions(e.g., buttons) of the keyboard 108 or selectable options of the gamingcontroller 115 to make an association with an input function of one ofthese accessories. Actions of one accessory can also be associated withanother accessory that is of a different category. For example, keydepressions “Ctrl A” of the keyboard 108 can be associated with one ofthe buttons of the gaming controller 115 (e.g., the left button 119).

In one embodiment, a Melee Attack action can be associated by draggingthis action to either the left button 119 or right button 120 of thegaming controller 115. Thus, when the selected button is depressed, thestimulus signal that is generated by the selected button of the gamingcontroller 115 can be substituted by the AMS application with the MeleeAttack action. In another embodiment, the AMS application can beconfigured so that the Melee Action can be associated with a combinationof key button presses (e.g., simultaneous depression of the left andright buttons 119, 121, or a sequence of button depressions: two rapidleft button depressions followed by a right button depression).

In yet another embodiment, the AMS application can be configured so thatthe Melee Action can be associated with movement of the gamingcontroller 115 such as, for example, rapid movement or shaking of thegaming controller 115. In a further embodiment, the AMS application canbe adapted to make associations with two dimensional or threedimensional movements of the gaming controller 115 according to a gamingvenue state. For example, suppose the player's avatar enters a fighterjet. In this gaming venue state, moving the left navigation knob forwardcan be associated by the AMS application with controlling the throttleof the jet engines. Rapidly moving the gaming controller 115 downwardcan represent release of munitions such as a bomb.

In a gaming venue state where the gamer's avatar has entered a building,lifting of the gaming controller 115 above a first displacementthreshold can be associated with a rapid movement of the avatar up onefloor. A second displacement threshold can be associated with a rapidmovement of the avatar down one floor—the opposite of the firstdisplacement threshold. Alternatively, the second displacement thresholdcould be associated with a different action such as jumping betweenbuildings when the avatar is on the roof of a building.

The AMS application can monitor gaming venue states by analyzingcaptured images produced by the gaming application (e.g., one or morestill images of a tank, or a video of an avatar entering a tank), and/orby receiving messages from the gaming application by way of anapplication programming interface (API) thereby enabling the AMSapplication to identify the occurrence of a particular gaming venuestate.

In yet another embodiment, the AMS application can be configured tocreate adaptable (programmable) button pressing and/or rebounding forcesas described earlier in relation to FIGS. 3A-3D. The AMS application canset pressing and/or rebounding weights to any level (far apart from eachother, at the same weight, and so on). Each pressing and/or reboundingof a keypad or button can also be associated with a substitute stimuli(e.g., stimuli associated with a Melee Attack action, a specific keysequence such Ctrl W, and so on), initiating a software application(e.g., team chat), and other suitable substitutes. In addition the AMSapplication can be configured to track changes in gaming venues andchange the pressing or rebounding weights or to return to defaultpressing or rebounding weights when a particular gaming venue isdetected. By eliminating pressing and/or rebounding weights, the AMSapplication can utilize the signals supplied by the variable actuationforce device 350 to perform a joystick and/or a throttle function whichcan be applied to any software application such as a video game (e.g.,accelerate or decelerate jet engines, helicopter engine, avatar from acrawl to a walk to a jog to a sprint, and vice-versa).

Additionally, the AMS application can be configured to change thesensitivity of signals received from a variable actuation force device350, much like adjusting a DPI parameter on a mouse, or adjusting themovement speed of a mouse pointer on a computer screen. The AMSapplication can, for example, adjust the sensitivity of signals suppliedby the variable actuation force device 350 so that it has a linear ornon-linear translation that may be desirable to a user. The user canalso define with the AMS application linear profiles, non-linearprofiles, or combinations thereof which can be applied to signalsreceived from the magnetic proximity sensors 302 of the variableactuation force device 350 of FIGS. 3A-3D.

At step 512 the AMS application can also respond to a user selection ofa profile. A profile can be a device profile or master profile invokedby selecting GUI button 156 or 158, each of which can identify theassociation of gaming actions with input functions of one or moreaccessories. If a profile selection is detected in step 512, the AMSapplication can retrieve in step 514 macro(s) and/or prior associationsdefined by the profile. The actions and/or macros defined in the profilecan also be presented in step 516 by the AMS application in the actionscolumn 130 of the GUI 101 to modify existing profile associations orcreate new associations.

In step 518, the AMS application can also respond to a user selection tocreate a macro. A macro in the present context can mean any actionablecommand which can be recorded by the AMS application. An actionablecommand can represent a sequence of stimuli generated by manipulatinginput functions of an accessory, a combination of actions in the Actionsection 130, an identification of a software application to be initiatedby the OS of the computing device 206, or any other recordable stimulusto initiate, control or manipulate software applications. For instance,a macro can represent a user entering the identity of a softwareapplication (e.g., instant messaging tool) to be initiated by the OSupon the AMS application detecting a speech command using speechrecognition technology.

A macro can also represent recordable speech delivered by a microphonesingly or in combination with a headset for detection by anothersoftware application through speech recognition or for delivery of therecorded speech to other parties. In yet another embodiment a macro canrepresent recordable navigation of an accessory such as a joystick ofthe gaming controller 115, recordable selections of buttons of thegaming controller 115, and so on. Macros can also be combinations of theabove illustrations with selected actions from the Actions 130 menu.Macros can be created from the GUI 101 by selecting a “Record Macro”button 148. The macro can be given a name and category in user-definedfields 140 and 142.

Upon selecting the Record Macro button 148, a macro can be generated byselection of input functions on an accessory (e.g., Ctrl A, speech,navigation knob movements of the gaming controller 115, etc.) and/or bymanual entry in field 144 (e.g., typing the name and location of asoftware application to be initiated by an OS, such as an instantmessaging application, keyboard entries such as Ctrl A, etc.). Once themacro is created, it can be tested by selecting button 150 which canrepeat the sequence specified in field 144. The clone button 152 can beselected to replicate the macro sequence if desired. Fields 152 can alsopresent timing characteristics of the stimulation sequence in the macrowith the ability to modify and thereby customize the timing of one ormore stimulations in the stimulation sequence. Once the macro has beenfully defined, selection of button 154 records the macro in step 520.The recording step can be combined with a step for adding the macro tothe associable items Actions column 130, thereby providing the user themeans to associate the macro with input functions of the accessories(e.g., one or more keys of the keyboard 108, buttons of the gamingcontroller 115, etc.).

In step 522, the AMS application can respond to drag and dropassociations of actions with input functions of the keyboard 108 or thegaming controller 115. Such associations can also be associated to apressing and/or rebounding weight defined by a user for a particularinput function of the keyboard 108. Associations can also be made basedon the two or three dimensional movements of the gaming controller 115.If user input indicates that a user is performing an association, theAMS application can proceed to step 524 where it can determine if aprofile has been identified in step 512 to record the association(s)detected. If a profile has been identified, the associations arerecorded/stored in the profile in step 526. If a profile has not beenidentified in step 512, the AMS application can create a profile in step528 for recording the detected associations. In the same step, the usercan name the newly created profile as desired. The newly created profilecan also be associated with one or more gaming software applications instep 530 for future reference. The AMS application can also record in aprofile in step 526 associations based on gaming venue states. In thisembodiment the same stimuli generated by the gaming controller 115 canresult in different substitutions based on the gaming venue statedetected by the AMS application.

Referring back to step 526, once the associations have been recorded ina profile, the AMS application can determine in step 532 which of theaccessories shown illustratively in FIGS. 1-3 are programmable andavailable for programming If the AMS application detects that anaccessory (e.g., keyboard 108, gaming controller 115) is communicativelycoupled to the computing device 206 and determines that the accessory iscapable of performing stimulus substitutions locally, the AMSapplication can proceed to step 534 of FIG. 5 where it submits theprofile and its contents for storage in the accessory (e.g., the gamingcontroller 115 in FIGS. 2-3). Once the accessory (e.g., the gamingcontroller 115) is programmed with the profile, the accessory canperform stimuli substitutions according to the associations recorded bythe AMS application in the profile. Alternatively, the AMS applicationcan store the profile in the computing device 206 of FIGS. 2-3 andperform substitutions of stimuli supplied by the gaming controller 115according to associations recorded in the profile by the AMSapplication.

The GUI 101 of FIG. 1 presented by the AMS application can have otherfunctions. For example, the GUI 101 can present a layout of theaccessory (button 122), how the accessory is illuminated whenassociations between input functions and actions are made (button 124),and configuration options for the accessory (button 126). The AMSapplication can adapt the GUI 101 to present more than one functionalGUI page. For instance, by selecting button 102, the AMS application canadapt the GUI 101 to present a means to create macros and associateactions to accessory input functions as depicted in FIG. 1. Selectingbutton 104 can cause the AMS application to adapt the GUI 101 to presentstatistics from stimulation information and/or gaming action resultscaptured by the AMS application as described in the subject disclosure.Selecting button 106 can also cause the AMS application to adapt the GUI101 to present promotional offers and software updates.

The steps of method 500 in whole or in part can be repeated until adesirable pattern is achieved of associations between stimulus signalsgenerated by accessories and substitute stimuli. It would be apparent toan artisan with ordinary skill in the art that there can be numerousother approaches to accomplish the embodiments described by method 500or variants thereof. These undisclosed approaches are contemplated bythe subject disclosure.

FIG. 6 depicts a method 600 for illustrating additional operations ofthe AMS application. In the configurations of FIGS. 2-3, the AMSapplication can be operating in whole or in part from the gamingcontroller 115, a gaming console 206, a computer 206, or a remote server(not shown). For illustration purposes, it is assumed the AMSapplication operates from the gaming console 206. Method 600 can beginwith the AMS application establishing communications in steps 602 and604 between the gaming console 206 and a gaming accessory such as thegaming controller 115, and a headset 114 such as shown in FIG. 1. Thesesteps can represent for example a user starting the AMS application fromthe gaming console 206 and/or the user inserting at a USB port of thegaming console 206 a connector of a USB cable tethered to the gamingcontroller 115, which invokes the AMS application. In step 606, thegaming controller 115 and/or headset 114 can in turn provide the AMSapplication one or more accessory ID's, or the user can provide by wayof a keyboard or the gaming controller 115 user identification. With theaccessory ID's, or user input the AMS application can identify in step608 a user account associated with the gaming controller 115 and/orheadset 114. In step 610, the AMS application can retrieve one or moreprofiles associated with the user account.

In step 612, the user can be presented by way of a display coupled tothe gaming console 206 profiles available to the user to choose from. Ifthe user makes a selection, the AMS application proceeds to step 614where it retrieves from the selected profiles the association(s) storedtherein. If a selection is not made, the AMS application can proceed tostep 616 where it can determine whether a software gaming application(e.g., video game) is operating from the gaming console 206 or whetherthe gaming console 206 is communicating with the software gamingapplication by way of a remote system communicatively coupled to thegaming console 206 (e.g., on-line gaming server(s) presenting, forexample, World of Warcraft™). If a gaming software application isdetected, the AMS application proceeds to step 617 where it retrieves aprofile that matches the gaming application detected and theassociation(s) contained in the profile. As noted earlier,association(s) can represent accessory stimulations, navigation, speech,the invocation of other software applications, macros or other suitableassociations that result in substitute stimulations. The accessorystimulations can be stimulations that are generated by the gamingcontroller 115, as well as stimulations from other accessories (e.g.,headset 114), or combinations thereof.

Once a profile and its contents have been retrieved in either of steps614 or step 617, the AMS application can proceed to step 719 of FIG. 7where it monitors for a change in a gaming venue state based on thepresentations made by the gaming application, or API messages suppliedby the gaming application. At the start of a game, for example, thegaming venue state can be determined immediately depending on the gamingoptions chosen by the gamer. The AMS application can determine thegaming venue state by tracking the gaming options chosen by a gamer,receiving an API instruction from the gaming application, or byperforming image processing on the video presentation generated by thegaming application. For example, the AMS application can detect that thegamer has directed an avatar to enter a tank. The AMS application canretrieve in step 719 associations for the gaming controller 115 forcontrolling the tank.

The AMS application can process movements of the gaming controller 115forwards, backwards, or sideways in two or three dimensions to controlthe tanks movement. The AMS application can change the pressing and/orrebounding weight of the gaming controller 115 to change the use ofvariable actuation force device of the controller 115 to serve as athrottle or joystick. Similarly, rotating the gaming controller 115 ortilting the gaming controller 115 forward can cause an accelerometer,gyro or magnetometer of the gaming controller 115 to providenavigational data to the AMS application which can be substituted withan action to cause the tank to turn and/or move forward. The profileretrieved by the AMS application can indicate that the greater theforward tilt of the gaming controller 115, the greater the speed of thetank should be moving forward. Similarly, a rear tilt can generatenavigation data that is substituted with a reverse motion and/ordeceleration of the forward motion to stop or slow down the tank. Athree dimensional lift of the mouse can cause the tank to steeraccording to the three dimensional navigation data provided by thegaming controller 115. For example, navigation data associated with acombination of a forward tilt and right bank of the gaming controller115 can be substituted by the AMS application to cause an increase inforward speed of the tank with a turn to the right determined by the AMSapplication according to a degree of banking of the gaming controller115 to the right. In the above embodiment, the three dimensionalnavigation data allows a gamer to control any directional vector of thetank including speed, direction, acceleration and deceleration.

In another illustration, the AMS application can detect a new gamingvenue state as a result of the gamer directing the avatar to leave thetank and travel on foot. Once again the AMS application retrieves instep 719 associations related to the gaming venue state. In thisembodiment, selection of buttons of the gaming controller 115 can beassociated by the AMS application with weaponry selection, firing,reloading and so on. Similarly, the AMS application can reinstatepressing or rebounding weights of variable actuation force devices ofthe controller 115, which in turn can serve a different function in thenew gaming venue. The movement of the gaming controller 115 in two orthree dimensions can also control the direction of the avatar and/orselection or use of weaponry. Once the gaming venue state is detected instep 719, the AMS application retrieves the associations related to thevenue state, and can perform substitutions of stimuli generated by thegaming controller 115, and/or speech commands received by microphone ofthe headset 114.

In one embodiment, the AMS application can be configured in step 719 toretrieve a profile that provides substitute stimuli for replacingcertain stimuli generated by accessories. The associations recorded inthe profile can be venue independent. In another embodiment, the AMSapplication can retrieve a combination of profiles, where one or moreprofiles provide substitute stimuli that are venue dependent and one ormore other profiles provide substitute stimuli that are venueindependent.

The AMS application can monitor in step 720 stimulations generated bythe accessories coupled to the gaming console 206. The stimulations canbe generated by the gamer by manipulating the gaming controller 115,and/or by generating speech commands detected by a microphone of theheadset 114. If a stimulation is detected at step 720, the AMSapplication can determine in step 722 whether to forward the detectedstimulation(s) to an Operating System (OS) of the gaming console 206 orthe gaming application directly without substitutions. Thisdetermination can be made by comparing the detected stimulation(s) tocorresponding associations in one or more profiles retrieved by the AMSapplication. If the detected stimulation(s) match the associations, thenthe AMS application proceeds to step 740 where it retrieves substitutestimulation(s) in the profile(s). In step 742, the AMS application cansubstitute the detected stimulation(s) with the substitute stimulationsin the profile(s).

In one embodiment, the AMS application can track in step 744 thesubstitute stimulations by updating the stimulations with a uniqueidentifier such as a globally unique identifier (GUID). In thisembodiment, the AMS application can also add a time stamp to eachsubstitute stimulation to track when the substitution was performed. Inanother embodiment, the AMS application can track each substitutestimulation according to its order of submission to the gamingapplication. For instance, sequence numbers can be generated for thesubstitute stimulations to track the order in which they were submittedto the gaming application. In this embodiment, the substitutestimulations do not need to be updated with sequence numbers oridentifiers so long as the order of gaming action results submitted bythe gaming application to the AMS application remain in the same orderas the substitute stimulations were originally submitted.

For example, if a first stimulation sent to the gaming application bythe AMS application is a command to shoot, and a second stimulation sentto the gaming application is a command to shoot again, then so long asthe gaming application provides a first a game action result for thefirst shot, followed by a game action result for the second shot, thenthe substitute stimulations will not require updating with sequencenumbers since the game action results are reported in the order that thestimulations were sent. If on the other hand, the game action resultscan be submitted out of order, then updating the stimulations withsequence numbers or another suitable identifier would be required toenable the AMS application to properly track and correlate stimulationsand corresponding gaming action results.

Referring back to step 722, if the detected stimulation(s) do not matchan association in the profile(s), then the AMS application proceeds toone of steps 744 or 746 in order to track the stimulations of theaccessory as described above. In another embodiment, tracking oforiginal stimulations or substitute stimulations can be bypassed byskipping steps 744 or 746 and proceeding to step 734.

Once the stimulations received in step 720 have been substituted withother stimulations at step 742 responsive to a detected association, ormaintained unchanged responsive to detecting no association withsubstitute stimuli, and (optionally) the AMS application has chosen aproper tracking methodology for correlating gaming action results withstimulations, the AMS application can proceed to step 748 where itsupplies to the OS of the computing device 206 a gaming action (i.e.,one or more stimulations). The gaming action supplied to the OS at step748 can be the unadulterated “original” gaming action of step 770, or analternative gaming action generated by steps 794 or 796. At step 734,the OS determines whether to invoke in step 736 a software applicationidentified in the stimulation(s) (e.g., gamer says “turn on team chat”,which invokes a chat application), whether to forward the receivedstimulation(s) to the gaming software application in step 738, orcombinations thereof. Step 734 may also represent a bypass of the OSwhereby stimuli signals are directed to a software application of eithersteps 736 or 738.

Contemporaneous to the embodiments described above, the AMS applicationcan monitor in step 750 for game action results supplied by the gamingapplication via API messages previously described. For instance, supposethe stimulation sent to the gaming application in step 738 is a commandto shoot a pistol. The gaming application can determine that the shotfired resulted in a miss of a target or a hit. The gaming applicationcan respond with a message which is submitted by way of the API to theAMS application that indicates the shot fired resulted in a miss or ahit. If IDs such as GUIDs were sent with each stimulation, the gamingapplication can submit game action results with their corresponding GUIDto enable the AMS application to correlate the gaming action resultswith stimulations having the same GUID.

For example, if the command to shoot included the ID “1234”, then thegame action result indicating a miss will include the ID “1234”,enabling the AMS application in step 752 to correlate the game actionresult to the stimulation having the same ID. If on other hand, theorder of game action results can be maintained consistent with the orderof the stimulations, then the AMS application can correlate in step 754stimulations with game action results by the order in which stimulationwere submitted and the order in which game action results are received.In step 756, the AMS application can catalogue stimulations and gameaction results. In another embodiment, the AMS application can beadapted to catalogue the stimulations in step 760. In this embodiment,step 760 can be performed as an alternative to steps 750 through 756. Inanother embodiment, step 760 can be performed in combination with steps750 through 756 in order to generate a catalogue of stimulations, and acatalogue for gaming action results correlated to the stimulations.

FIGS. 8-9 illustrate embodiments of a system with a correspondingcommunication flow diagram for correlating stimulations and gamingaction results. In this illustration a user clicks the left button 119of the gaming controller 115. The gaming controller 115 can includefirmware (or circuitry), which creates an event as depicted by event 2in FIG. 8. The button depression and the event creation are depicted inFIG. 9 as steps 902 and 904. In step 904, the firmware of the gamingcontroller 115 can, for example, generate an event type “left button#3”, and a unique GUID with a time stamp which is submitted to the AMSapplication. Referring back to FIG. 8, the AMS application cataloguesevent 3, and if a substitute stimulation has been predefined, remaps theevent according to the substitution. The remapped event is thentransmitted to the gaming application at event 4. Event 3 of FIG. 8 isdepicted as step 906 in FIG. 9. In this illustration, the AMSapplication substitutes the left button #3 depression stimulus with a“keyboard ‘F’” depression which can be interpreted by the gamingapplication as a fire command. The AMS application in this illustrationcontinues to use the same GUID, but substitutes the time stamp foranother time stamp to identify when the substitution took place.

Referring back to event 4, the gaming application processes the eventand sends back at event 5 a game action result to the AMS applicationwhich is processed by the AMS application at event 6. The AMSapplication then submits the results to the accessory at event 7. Events4 and 5 are depicted as step 908 in FIG. 9. In this step, the gamingapplication processes “F” as an action to fire the gamer's gun, and thendetermines from the action the result from logistical gaming resultsgenerated by the gaming application. In the present illustration, theaction of firing resulted in a hit. The gaming application can submit tothe AMS application the result type “Hit” with a new time stamp, whileutilizing the same GUID for tracking purposes. At step 910, the AMSapplication correlates the stimulation “left button #3 (and/or thesubstitute stimulation keyboard “F”) to the game result “Hit” andcatalogues them in memory. The AMS application then submits to theaccessory (e.g., gaming controller 115) in step 910 the game actionresults “Hit” with the same GUID, and a new time stamp indicating whenthe result was received. Upon receiving the message from the AMSapplication, the accessory in step 912 processes the “Hit” by assertinga red LED on the accessory (e.g., left button 119 illuminates in red orother LED of the gaming controller 115 illuminates in red) to indicate ahit. Other notification notices can be used such as another color forthe LED to indicate misses, a specific sound for a hit, or kill, avibration or other suitable technique for notifying the gamer of thegame action result.

Upon reviewing the aforementioned embodiments, it would be evident to anartisan with ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments of thesubject disclosure can be modified, reduced, or enhanced withoutdeparting from the scope of the claims described below. For example, theAMS application can be executed from an accessory 115 or computingdevice 206 to perform the embodiments described in the subjectdisclosure. The AMS application can also be operated from a remoteserver (“cloud services”). In yet another embodiment, functions of theAMS application can be distributed between devices. In yet anotherembodiment, the AMS application can be configured to track theperformance of a gamer and adapt a threshold as the gamer improves ordeclines in performance.

For instance, as a gamer's performance improves with a particular gamingaction, the threshold associated with the gaming action can be adaptedto be less sensitive in detecting an over usage state. Similarly, thesensitivity of the threshold can be increased to promptly identify anover usage state of a gaming action if the gamer's performance declinesas a result of an over usage of the gaming action. Additionally, the AMSapplication can be adapted to add gaming actions to an exclusion tablewhen the gamer's performance substantially improves as a result of usingthe gaming action being excluded. The exclusion table can also bechanged by the AMS application by removing a gaming action from theexclusion table responsive to its excessive use causing a decline in agamer's performance.

Other embodiments can be applied to the subject disclosure.

It should be understood that devices described in the exemplaryembodiments can be in communication with each other via various wirelessand/or wired methodologies. The methodologies can be links that aredescribed as coupled, connected and so forth, which can includeunidirectional and/or bidirectional communication over wireless pathsand/or wired paths that utilize one or more of various protocols ormethodologies, where the coupling and/or connection can be direct (e.g.,no intervening processing device) and/or indirect (e.g., an intermediaryprocessing device such as a router).

FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a machine inthe form of a computer system 1000 within which a set of instructions,when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethods described above. One or more instances of the machine canoperate, for example, as an accessory, computing device or combinationsthereof. In some embodiments, the machine may be connected (e.g., usinga network 1026) to other machines. In a networked deployment, themachine may operate in the capacity of a server or a client user machinein a server-client user network environment, or as a peer machine in apeer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.

The machine may comprise a server computer, a client user computer, apersonal computer (PC), a tablet, a smart phone, a laptop computer, adesktop computer, a control system, a network router, switch or bridge,or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential orotherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. It will beunderstood that a communication device of the subject disclosureincludes broadly any electronic device that provides voice, video ordata communication. Further, while a single machine is illustrated, theterm “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machinesthat individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) ofinstructions to perform any one or more of the methods discussed herein.

The computer system 1000 may include a processor (or controller) 1002(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a graphics processing unit(GPU, or both), a main memory 1004 and a static memory 1006, whichcommunicate with each other via a bus 1008. The computer system 1000 mayfurther include a display unit 1010 (e.g., a liquid crystal display(LCD), a flat panel, or a solid state display). The computer system 1000may include an input device 1012 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor controldevice 1014 (e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit 1016, a signal generationdevice 1018 (e.g., a speaker or remote control) and a network interfacedevice 1020. In distributed environments, the embodiments described inthe subject disclosure can be adapted to utilize multiple display units1010 controlled by two or more computer systems 1000. In thisconfiguration, presentations described by the subject disclosure may inpart be shown in a first of the display units 1010, while the remainingportion is presented in a second of the display units 1010.

The disk drive unit 1016 may include a tangible computer-readablestorage medium 1022 on which is stored one or more sets of instructions(e.g., software 1024) embodying any one or more of the methods orfunctions described herein, including those methods illustrated above.The instructions 1024 may also reside, completely or at least partially,within the main memory 1004, the static memory 1006, and/or within theprocessor 1002 during execution thereof by the computer system 1000. Themain memory 1004 and the processor 1002 also may constitute tangiblecomputer-readable storage media.

Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not limited to,application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays andother hardware devices can likewise be constructed to implement themethods described herein. Application specific integrated circuits andprogrammable logic array can use downloadable instructions for executingstate machines and/or circuit configurations to implement embodiments ofthe subject disclosure. Applications that may include the apparatus andsystems of various embodiments broadly include a variety of electronicand computer systems. Some embodiments implement functions in two ormore specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with relatedcontrol and data signals communicated between and through the modules,or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Thus, theexample system is applicable to software, firmware, and hardwareimplementations.

In accordance with various embodiments of the subject disclosure, theoperations or methods described herein are intended for operation assoftware programs or instructions running on or executed by a computerprocessor or other computing device, and which may include other formsof instructions manifested as a state machine implemented with logiccomponents in an application specific integrated circuit or fieldprogrammable gate array. Furthermore, software implementations (e.g.,software programs, instructions, etc.) including, but not limited to,distributed processing or component/object distributed processing,parallel processing, or virtual machine processing can also beconstructed to implement the methods described herein. It is furthernoted that a computing device such as a processor, a controller, a statemachine or other suitable device for executing instructions to performoperations or methods may perform such operations directly or indirectlyby way of one or more intermediate devices directed by the computingdevice.

While the tangible computer-readable storage medium 1022 is shown in anexample embodiment to be a single medium, the term “tangiblecomputer-readable storage medium” should be taken to include a singlemedium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database,and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets ofinstructions. The term “tangible computer-readable storage medium” shallalso be taken to include any non-transitory medium that is capable ofstoring or encoding a set of instructions for execution by the machineand that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods ofthe subject disclosure. The term “non-transitory” as in a non-transitorycomputer-readable storage includes without limitation memories, drives,devices and anything tangible but not a signal per se.

The term “tangible computer-readable storage medium” shall accordinglybe taken to include, but not be limited to: solid-state memories such asa memory card or other package that houses one or more read-only(non-volatile) memories, random access memories, or other re-writable(volatile) memories, a magneto-optical or optical medium such as a diskor tape, or other tangible media which can be used to store information.Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include any one or more ofa tangible computer-readable storage medium, as listed herein andincluding art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which thesoftware implementations herein are stored.

Although the present specification describes components and functionsimplemented in the embodiments with reference to particular standardsand protocols, the disclosure is not limited to such standards andprotocols. Each of the standards for Internet and other packet switchednetwork transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP) representexamples of the state of the art. Such standards are from time-to-timesuperseded by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentiallythe same functions. Wireless standards for device detection (e.g.,RFID), short-range communications (e.g., Bluetooth®, WiFi, Zigbee®), andlong-range communications (e.g., WiMAX, GSM, CDMA, LTE) can be used bycomputer system 1000.

The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended toprovide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments,and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all theelements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use ofthe structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparentto those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Theexemplary embodiments can include combinations of features and/or stepsfrom multiple embodiments. Other embodiments may be utilized and derivedtherefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changesmay be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Figuresare also merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certainproportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimizedAccordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated toachieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodimentsshown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations orvariations of various embodiments. Combinations of the aboveembodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein,can be used in the subject disclosure. In one or more embodiments,features that are positively recited can also be excluded from theembodiment with or without replacement by another component or step. Thesteps or functions described with respect to the exemplary processes ormethods can be performed in any order. The steps or functions describedwith respect to the exemplary processes or methods can be performedalone or in combination with other steps or functions (from otherembodiments or from other steps that have not been described).

Less than all of the steps or functions described with respect to theexemplary processes or methods can also be performed in one or more ofthe exemplary embodiments. Further, the use of numerical terms todescribe a device, component, step or function, such as first, second,third, and so forth, is not intended to describe an order or functionunless expressly stated so. The use of the terms first, second, thirdand so forth, is generally to distinguish between devices, components,steps or functions unless expressly stated otherwise. Additionally, oneor more devices or components described with respect to the exemplaryembodiments can facilitate one or more functions, where the facilitating(e.g., facilitating access or facilitating establishing a connection)can include less than every step needed to perform the function or caninclude all of the steps needed to perform the function.

In one or more embodiments, a processor (which can include a controlleror circuit) has been described that performs various functions. Itshould be understood that the processor can be multiple processors,which can include distributed processors or parallel processors in asingle machine or multiple machines. The processor can be used insupporting a virtual processing environment. The virtual processingenvironment may support one or more virtual machines representingcomputers, servers, or other computing devices. In such virtualmachines, components such as microprocessors and storage devices may bevirtualized or logically represented. The processor can include a statemachine, application specific integrated circuit, and/or programmablegate array including a Field PGA. In one or more embodiments, when aprocessor executes instructions to perform “operations”, this caninclude the processor performing the operations directly and/orfacilitating, directing, or cooperating with another device or componentto perform the operations.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided with the understanding thatit will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of theclaims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can beseen that various features are grouped together in a single embodimentfor the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method ofdisclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that theclaimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited ineach claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subjectmatter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment.Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the DetailedDescription, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimedsubject matter.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: communicating, by asystem comprising a processor, a signal to a variable force magnetlocated at a first portion of a button, wherein a spring is coupled tothe first portion of the button and to a second portion of the button,wherein a ferromagnetic material is located at the second portion of thebutton, wherein the spring attracts the first portion of the button tothe second portion of the button, and wherein the signal initiates amagnetic field at the variable force magnet, resulting in a mechanicalforce that resists pressing of the button, and wherein the variableforce magnet and the ferromagnetic material are disposed along a firstaxis; and detecting, by the system, pressing of the button based on afirst conductive material coupled to the first portion of the buttoninteracting with a second conductive material coupled to the secondportion of the button, wherein the first conductive material and thesecond conductive material are disposed along a second axis.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the magnetic field interacts with theferromagnetic material to create a magnetic resistance to pressing ofthe button, wherein the mechanical force comprises the magneticresistance.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the ferromagnetic materialcomprises a magnetized ferromagnetic material that initiates a secondmagnetic field, and wherein the second magnetic field alters themechanical force.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the ferromagneticmaterial is not magnetized.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the firstportion of the button comprises an upper portion of the button, andwherein the second portion of the button comprises a lower portion ofthe button.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the button is included ina keyboard, a mouse, or a joystick.
 7. The method of claim 1, whereinthe magnetic field at the variable force magnet resists pressing of thebutton by a user.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the first axis isdifferent from the second axis.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein thesignal is a digital signal.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein thesystem comprises a computing device that receives a target magnitude forthe magnetic field from an accessory, and wherein the signal initiatesthe magnetic field according to the target magnitude.
 11. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the system comprises a computing device that receives atarget polarization for the magnetic field from an accessory, whereinthe signal initiates the magnetic field according to the targetpolarization.
 12. An accessory, comprising: a button comprising aspring, a variable force magnet, and a ferromagnetic material, thespring being coupled to the variable force magnet and the ferromagneticmaterial and configured to provide an attractive force between theferromagnetic material and the variable force magnet; a memory to storeinstructions; and a processor coupled to the memory and the button,wherein responsive to executing the instructions, the processor performsoperations comprising: initiating a magnetic field at the variable forcemagnet, wherein the variable force magnet is located at a first portionof the button, wherein the ferromagnetic material is located at a secondportion of the button, wherein the magnetic field causes magneticresistance to pressing of the button, wherein the variable force magnetand the ferromagnetic material are disposed along a first axis, andwherein the attractive force and the magnetic resistance are presentalong the first axis; detecting a button press in response to a firstconductive material coupled to the first portion of the buttoncontacting a second conductive material coupled to the second portion ofthe button, wherein the first conductive material and the secondconductive material are disposed along a second axis; and transmittingan actuation signal to a computing device responsive to the detectingthe button press.
 13. The accessory of claim 12, wherein theferromagnetic material comprises a magnetized ferromagnetic materialthat initiates a second magnetic field, and wherein the second magneticfield alters the magnetic resistance.
 14. The accessory of claim 12,wherein the first axis is different from the second axis.
 15. Theaccessory of claim 12, wherein the initiating the magnetic field isbased on an electric current.
 16. A button, comprising: a spring coupledto a fixed force magnet and a variable force magnet for attracting thefixed force magnet and the variable force magnet to one anotheraccording to a spring constant of the spring, the variable force magnetemitting a magnetic field to counter the spring constant and therebyadjust a force required to depress the button, wherein the force isalong a first axis; a first conductive material coupled to a firsthousing assembly component; and a second conductive material coupled toa second housing assembly component, wherein contact between the firstconductive material and the second conductive material indicates a pressof the button, and wherein the first conductive material and the secondconductive material are disposed along a second axis.
 17. The button ofclaim 16, wherein the first axis is different from the second axis. 18.The button of claim 16, wherein the first housing assembly componentcomprises an upper portion of the button, and wherein the second housingassembly component comprises a lower portion of the button.
 19. Thebutton of claim 16, wherein the variable force magnet includes aconductor.
 20. The button of claim 19, wherein the conductor is wrappedaround a ferromagnetic material.